apprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "apprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to understand, believe, or realize. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when you want to express understanding of a concept, idea, or a person’s feelings/intent. An example sentence might be: "I apprehend your concern, but I still think this is the best way to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Imagine the outrage in Australia if Indonesian warships were to apprehend Australian boats, even with a legal basis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Blair sees dream interpretation – which can itself produce subsequent clearer, or more baffling, dreams – as like "kneading dough", working with an issue that might at first be too frightening or repulsive to apprehend, until it's in a state that you're ready to deal with.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will apprehend them no matter where they flee to," Fu Kui, a member of the CCDI, told state media.

The Economist

He would also love to see councils across the country employing "environmental wardens"—uniformed officials who would have the power to apprehend and fine graffiti sprayers, litter louts and the careless owners of incontinent dogs.

The Economist

If not, his soldiers will storm the compound and begin "stage two".Within the Israeli cabinet, there are powerful voices urging a commando-style assault on the compound in Ramallah, in an effort to apprehend the wanted men and thus bring the stand-off to an end without any loss of face for Israel.

The Economist

Douglas Adams, author (1952 2001)"On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question".

The Economist

As Wellington said later, it was "the nearest-run thing you ever saw in your life".Returning from his nine-month exile on Elba, Napoleon had quickly mobilised an army of nearly 200,000 men to take on the coalition forces regathering to apprehend him.

The Economist

Law enforcement agencies are not good at making subtle judgments about the effects of their actions on the people they apprehend.

The Economist

Any attempt to apprehend Mr Coke would surely cause widespread violence.In this section Another battle in an unwinnable war Unlikely allies A one-two punch ReprintsAnd so it did.

The Economist

Periodically the peacekeepers turn enforcers, to apprehend guerrillas; this week, they brokered a truce in the Presevo valley, in southern Serbia.

The Economist

The official said that Pakistani investigators have traced the families of the remaining nine sailors, but failed to apprehend the men.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apprehend" when you want to convey a sense of grasping an idea or concept with a degree of intellectual effort, or when referring to the act of arresting someone.

Common error

Avoid using "apprehend" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler synonyms like "understand" or "get" would be more appropriate. "Apprehend" often carries a formal or legal connotation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "apprehend" is as a transitive verb. It signifies either the act of seizing or arresting someone, or the act of understanding something, such as a concept or idea. Ludwig provides numerous examples in both senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apprehend" is a versatile verb with two primary meanings: to seize or arrest (a person), and to understand (a concept). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in formal contexts like news reports and academic writing. The frequency analysis reveals that it's commonly found in News & Media and Science. When writing, it's crucial to select "apprehend" when you want to convey a sense of grasping something complex or when discussing legal actions. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality appropriate for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand

This alternative directly replaces the cognitive aspect of "apprehend", focusing on comprehension.

grasp

This alternative suggests a firm understanding, often implying a sudden realization.

take into custody

This alternative focuses specifically on the action of arresting someone.

become aware of

This alternative stresses the moment of realizing or understanding something.

become conscious of

Highlights the process of recognizing and understanding something with greater clarity.

take hold of

This alternative emphasizes the physical act of grasping or seizing something.

anticipate

This alternative emphasizes the act of expecting or foreseeing something, especially with concern.

capture

This alternative emphasizes the act of gaining control or possession, particularly in a physical sense.

conceive of

Focuses on forming a mental representation or idea of something.

seize

This alternative is a more forceful synonym, implying a sudden or forceful taking.

FAQs

How to use "apprehend" in a sentence?

You can use "apprehend" to mean 'to understand' as in, "I "apprehend" your concerns." Or you can use it to mean 'to arrest' as in, "The police "apprehended" the suspect."

What can I say instead of "apprehend"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "understand", "grasp", "arrest", or "capture".

Is it correct to say "I don't apprehend"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, and means "I don't understand". However, it might sound overly formal in casual conversations. A simpler alternative like "I don't understand" may be preferable.

What's the difference between "apprehend" and "comprehend"?

"Apprehend" can mean to understand or to arrest, while "comprehend" solely refers to understanding something fully. "Apprehend" can also imply a sense of anticipating something, often with anxiety.